Grilled Watermelon Basil Mint Smoothie Food

WATERMELON-MINT WATER

Steps:

• Place 4 cups 1/2 inch-cubed watermelon (about 1 1/4 pounds; lightly smashed) and 6 sprigs mint (lightly crushed) in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh watermelon and mint sprigs for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

GRILLED WATERMELON AND MINT SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the grill or grill pan to very high heat. Brush the watermelon slices with olive oil. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cool slightly and cut into 1-inch cubes (makes about 3 cups). Add to a serving bowl with the blueberries, mint, vinegar and feta. Toss to combine. Serve chilled.

GRILLED WATERMELON BASIL MINT SMOOTHIE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to high heat (400 degrees F). To grill the watermelon, first sprinkle with the sugar and salt. Grill quickly, cooking each side for 2 minutes and flipping with a wide spatula. Once the watermelon is cooked, remove from the grill and add to a blender, along with the yogurt, apple juice, ice, honey and vanilla. Puree until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, add the mint and basil leaves, pulse 5 to 6 times and serve. Garnish with watermelon wedges and mint.

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH BASIL CREMA WITH WATERMELON-BASIL SALAD AND GRILLED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high and prepare for indirect grilling: On a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. For a gas grill, turn off half of the burners. Put the onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water; let soak 20 minutes, then drain and squeeze dry. Meanwhile, pulse 1 cup basil, the avocado, garlic, crema and the juice of 1 lime in a blender or mini food processor until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Tie the beef tenderloin in 2-inch intervals using kitchen twine. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, the cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl. Brush the oil mixture all over the beef and transfer to the grill over direct heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until the beef is well marked, about 15 minutes. Transfer the beef to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and continue grilling, turning occasionally, until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 125 degrees F for medium rare, 15 to 20 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.
• While the beef is cooking over indirect heat, cut a small slit down the center of each plantain and lightly brush the skins with olive oil; transfer to the grill over direct heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the plantains are soft, about 20 minutes; cut into thirds.
• Meanwhile, roughly chop the remaining 2 cups basil; toss with the watermelon, the remaining lime juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil, the cheese, aje peppers and onion in a medium bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Slice the beef and serve with the basil crema, plantains and watermelon salad.

SWEET BASIL SMOOTHIE

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the yogurt, basil, Lemon Simple Syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into frosted glasses and serve immediately.
• In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon zest over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.

GRILLED HALLOUMI WITH WATERMELON AND BASIL-MINT OIL

Steps:

• Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high.
• Puree basil, 3 tablespoons mint, and garlic in a blender. With machine running, add 1/2 cup of oil. Strain the puree over a small bowl, pressing on solids. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brush grill rack with oil. Drizzle 2 tablespoons basil-mint oil over tomatoes and cheese; season with salt and pepper. Grill tomatoes, turning occasionally, until charred and bursting, about 4 minutes. Grill cheese until nicely charred in spots and beginning to melt, about 45 seconds per side.
• Arrange melon on a platter. Top with cheese and tomatoes. Drizzle with remaining herb oil, and garnish with sliced mint.

GRILLED HALLOUMI WITH WATERMELON AND BASIL-MINT OIL

Steps:

• Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high. Purée basil, 3 tablespoons mint, and garlic in a blender. With machine running, add 1/2 cup oil. Set a strainer over a small bowl; strain, pressing on solids. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brush grill rack with oil. Drizzle 2 tablespoons basil-mint oil over tomatoes and cheese; season with salt and pepper. Grill tomatoes, turning occasionally, until charred and bursting, about 4 minutes. Grill cheese until nicely charred in spots and beginning to melt, about 45 seconds per side.
• Arrange melon on a platter. Top with cheese and tomatoes. Drizzle remaining herb oil over; garnish with sliced mint.

WATERMELON MINT SMOOTHIE

Steps:

• Place all of the ingredients except the watermelon balls in the blender. Blend until frothy, about one minute. Pour into a glass, and garnish with watermelon balls. Serve right away.